Sports training and conditioning device

ABSTRACT

A sport-specific training and conditioning device for a sport using a hand-held implement having a grip portion, includes a handle shaped like the grip portion of the implement, the handle having first and second ends, and a weight on the second end of the handle, the center of mass of the weight being less than about 13 inches from the first end of the handle. The device is made from a polymeric material with a weight enclosed therein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/598,110, filed Jun. 21, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a sports training and conditioningdevice, and in particular to a device for training and conditioning insports which use an implement, such as a bat, a club, a racket, orstick.

[0003] There are a wide variety of sports training and conditioningdevices for sports that employ some sort of implement. A common exampleis the batting doughnut, which is slipped over the narrow end of the batand slid down the shaft of the bat to add extra weight to the end of thebat while taking practice swings. Similar devices are available for golfclubs and for other sports implements. One drawback with these devicesis that the extra weight is usually concentrated at the remote or distalend of the sports implement. This unnecessarily strains the user, andparticularly the user's shoulders, and does not concentrate the trainingand conditioning on the user's forearms which, in most sports, arecritical to the proper use of the implement

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The sports training and conditioning device of the presentinvention is adaptable to virtually any sport that uses a hand-heldimplement, including baseball, golf, tennis, squash, badminton, hockey,lacrosse, et cetera. Generally, the sports training and conditioningdevice of the present invention comprises a handle shaped like the gripportion of the implement for the particular sport, for example abaseball bat, having a first and second ends. A weight is mounted on thesecond end between about six inches and about eighteen inches from thefirst end of the handle, and more preferably between about eight inchesand about thirteen inches from the first end of the grip. The inventorhas found that for most sports, this focuses the effect of the device onthe user's forearms, and reduces the stress and strain on other parts ofthe body. The user simply grasps the device as the user would normallygrasp the sports implement, and swings the device in a controlled mannerjust as the user would swing the implement.

[0005] In the preferred embodiment, the circumference of the handle isbetween about ten percent and about thirty percent larger than the userwould normally use on the corresponding sports implement, and morepreferably about 20 percent larger. The inventor has found that thisincreased circumference of the handle further focuses the effect of thedevice on the forearms.

[0006] The sports training and conditioning devices of the presentinvention are of simple and inexpensive construction. They are compactand easy to store and transport. The devices provide sports-specificstrengthening and conditioning, focusing on the user's forearms whileminimizing stress and strain on other parts of the user's body, such asthe shoulder and wrists. Using the device during practice helps programa proper motion through “muscle memory”. These and other features andadvantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sportstraining device constructed according to the principles of thisinvention;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of the firstembodiment, disassembled to show the details of construction;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of thefirst embodiment, showing details of construction;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first alternate construction ofthe device of the first embodiment;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a secondalternate construction of the device of the first embodiment;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sportstraining device constructed according to the principles of thisinvention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sportstraining device constructed according to the principles of thisinvention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sportstraining device constructed according to the principles of thisinvention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;

[0015]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of thedevices of the several embodiments of this invention;

[0016]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first versionof the alternate construction of FIG. 9 taken along the plane of line10-10 in FIG. 9;

[0017]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second version of the alternateconstruction of the devices of the several embodiments of thisinvention;

[0018]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third versionof the alternate construction taken along the same plane is FIG. 10; and

[0019]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a fourth version of the alternateconstruction of the devices of the several embodiments of thisinvention.

[0020] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A first embodiment of a sports training and conditioning deviceconstructed according to the principles of this invention is indicatedgenerally as 20 in FIGS. 1 through 3. The device 20 is particularadapted for training and conditioning for sports which involve the useof an implement having a grip, e.g., a bat, a club, a racket, or astick, and in particular device 20 is adapted for training andconditioning for baseball, softball, and other sports which employ abat. The device comprises a handle configured like the grip portion ofthe sports implement, thus device 20 has a grip configured like thehandle portion of a bat, having a first end 24 and a second end 26. Thefirst end 24 corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the endclosest to the user) of the sports implement, the second end 26corresponds to normal distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user).The handle 22 is preferably made of wood, like a conventional bat, butit could also be made of some other material.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle ispreferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than thegrip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferablyabout twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventionalsports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus theeffect of the device on the user's forearms, yet still permits the userto securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device 20, where aconventional bat would have a grip diameter of between about ⅞ inchesand about I and ⅛ inches, the handle 22 preferably has a diameter ofbetween about 1¼ inches and about 1½ inches, and most preferably about Iand {fraction (11/32)} inches. The larger grip both isolates theforearms and safely strengthens the hands and wrists. However, thehandle could have the circumference of a conventional bat.

[0023] A weight 28 is mounted on the second end 26 of the handle. Theweight 28 is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made ofsome other dense material. The length of the handle 22 and the size andshape of the weight 28 are such that the center of mass of the device ispositioned distally of the graspable portion of the handle, betweenabout 8½ inches and about 15 inches from the first end 24 of the handle,and more preferably between about 10 and 13 inches from the first end ofthe handle. The weight of the weight 28 depends upon the needs andpreferences of the user, the weight 28 may have a weight so that thedevice 20 weighs 3½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices20 of different weights are provided.

[0024] As shown in the Figures, the weight 28 preferably has a generallycylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder arepreferably rounded. Of course the weight 28 could have some other shape,for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight could be arectangular prism. However, the inventor believes that the compact,cylindrical shape improves the swing dynamics of the device. In thepreferred embodiment, the weight 28 for the 3½ pound device has adiameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight forthe 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pounddevice has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high;and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4inches, and is about 4 inches high.

[0025] In the preferred construction of the first embodiment, the distalend 26 has external threaded projection 30 that is adapted to fit intoan internally threaded socket 32 in the weight 28. The threadedprojection 30 may be further secured in the socket 32 with an adhesive,such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. However, it may bedesirable to have the weight 28 removably mounted on the handle 22, sothat the user can have just one handle, and change the weight of thedevice 20 by changing the weight 28.

[0026] A first alternate construction of the first embodiment of asports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as 20′ inFIG. 4. The device 20′ is similar in construction to device 20,comprising a handle 22 and a weight 28. However, in device 20′ theattachment of the weight 28 to the handle 22 is different from theattachment in device 20. As shown in FIG. 4, there is a collar 34 withan internally threaded socket mounted on the second end 24 of the handle22. The collar 34 is preferably made of metal and is secured on thehandle by any conventional means. There is an externally threaded stud38 on the weight 28 that threads into the internally threaded socket inthe collar 34.

[0027] A second alternate construction of the first embodiment of asports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as 20″ inFIG. 5. The device 20″ is similar in construction to device 20,comprising a handle 22 and a weight 28. However, in device 20″ theattachment of the weight 28 to the handle 22 is different from theattachment in device 20. As shown in FIG. 5, a threaded bolt 40 extendsthrough an axial bore 42 in the handle 22, projecting out the second end26 of the handle. The bolt 40 is preferably made of metal. The weight 28preferably has an internally threaded socket 44 to receive the bolt 40.A nut 46 is threaded on the end of the bolt 40 and is concealed in arecess 48 in the first end of the handle.

[0028] A second embodiment of a sports training and conditioning deviceis indicated generally as 100 in FIG. 6. The device 100 is particularlyadapted for training and conditioning for the sport of golf, andcomprises a handle 102 configured like the grip portion of a golf club,having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The first end 104corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to theuser) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to normaldistal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user).

[0029] In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle ispreferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than thegrip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferablyabout twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventionalsports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus theeffect of the device on the user's forearms, yet still permits the userto securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device 100, where aconventional golf club would have a grip circumference of between about2¾ inches and about 3 inches, the handle 102 preferably has acircumference of between about 3 inches and about 3½ inches. However,the handle could have the circumference of a conventional golf club.

[0030] A weight 108 is mounted on the second end 106 of the handle. Theweight 108 is preferably made of steel, but could, of course, be made ofsome other dense material. The length of the handle 102 and the size andshape of the weight 108 are such that the center of mass of the deviceis positioned distally of the between about 8 inches and about 15 inchesfrom the first end 104 of the device 100, and more preferably betweenabout 10 and 13. The weight of the weight 108 depends upon the needs andpreferences of the user, the weight 108 may have a weight so that thedevice 100 weighs 3½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices100 of different weights are provided.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, the weight 108 preferably has a generallycylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder arepreferably rounded. Of course the weight 108 could have some othershape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight couldbe a rectangular prism. In the preferred embodiment, the weight 108 forthe 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½inches high; the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3inches, and is about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound devicehas a diameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; theweight for the 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and isabout 3¾ inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has adiameter of about 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high for the 3½ pounddevice has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high;the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, andis about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has adiameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight forthe 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter ofabout 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high.

[0032] In the preferred construction of the device 100, the grip 102comprises a rod 110 with an externally threaded stud 112 on its distalend. The rod 110 is covered with a conventional golf club grip 114. Thethreaded stud 112 is adapted to fit in an internally threaded socket 116in the weight 108. The threaded stud 112 may be further secured in thesocket 116 with an adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitableadhesive. However, it may be desirable to have the weight 108 removablymounted on the handle 102, so that the user can have just one handle,and change the weight of the device 100 by changing the weight 108. Ofcourse one of the other attachments for the weight and handle discussedabove with respect to device 20, or any other method for securelyconnecting the weight and the handle can be used.

[0033] A third embodiment of a sports training and conditioning deviceis indicated generally as 150 in FIG. 7. The device 150 is particularlyadapted for training and conditioning for the sport of tennis, andcomprises a grip 152 configured like the handle portion of a tennisracket, having a first end 154 and a second end 156. The first end 154corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to theuser) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to non-naldistal end (i.e. the end furthest from the user).). The handle 152 ispreferably made of wood, metal, or a composite material, like aconventional racket, but it could also be made of some other material.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle ispreferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than thegrip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferablyabout twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventionalsports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus theeffect of the device on the user's forearms, yet still permits the userto securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device 150, where aconventional racket would have a grip circumference of between about 4¼inches and about 4⅝ inches, the handle 152 preferably has acircumference of between about 4⅜ inches and about 4¾ inches. However,the handle could have the circumference of a conventional racket. Thehandle 152 may include a conventional spiral wrap of leather orleather-like material, so that the handle 152 device 150 has theappearance and feel of the grip portion of a conventional racket.

[0035] A weight 158 is mounted on the second end 156 of the handle. Theweight 158 is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made ofsome other dense material. The length of the handle 152 and the size andshape of the weight 158 are such that the center of mass of the device150 is positioned between about 8 inches and about 15 inches from thefirst end 154 of the handle, and more preferably between about 10 and 13from the first end of the handle. The center of mass is preferablydistal to the graspable portion of the handle. The weight of the weight158 depends upon the needs and preferences of the user, the weight 158may have a weight so that the device 150 weighs 1½, 2½, 3½, 4½, or 5½,or preferably a set of devices 150 of different weights are provided.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the weight 158 preferably has a generallycylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder arepreferably rounded. Of course the weight 158 could have some othershape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight couldbe a rectangular prism. In the preferred embodiment, the weight 158 forthe 1½ pound device has a diameter of about 1⅞ inches, and is about 2inches high; the weight for the 2½ pound device has a diameter of about2⅛ inches, and is about 2¼ inches high; the weight for the 3½ pounddevice has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high;the weight for the 4½ pound device has a diameter of about 2½ inches,and is about 2⅝ inches high; and the weight for the 5½ device has adiameter of about 2⅝ inches, and is about 2⅞ inches high.

[0037] In the preferred construction of the third embodiment, there is acollar 160 with an internally threaded socket 162 mounted on the secondend 154 of the handle 152. The collar 160 is preferably made of metaland is secured on the handle by any conventional means. There is anexternally threaded stud 164 on the weight 158 that threads into theinternally threaded socket in the collar 160. The threaded stud 164 maybe further secured in the socket 160 with an adhesive, such as an epoxyor other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have theweight 158 removably mounted on the handle 152, so that the user canhave just one handle, and change the weight of the device 150 bychanging the weight 158. Of course one of the other attachments for theweight and handle discussed above with respect to device 20, or anyother method for securely connecting the weight and the handle can beused.

[0038] A fourth embodiment of a sports training and conditioning deviceis indicated generally as 200 in FIG. 8. The device 200 is particularlyadapted for training and conditioning for the sport of hockey, andcomprises a grip 202 configured like the handle portion of a hockeystock, having a first end 204 and a second end 206. The first end 204corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to theuser) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to normaldistal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user). ). The handle 202 ispreferably made of wood, like a conventional hockey stick, but it couldalso be made of some other material.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle ispreferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than thegrip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferablyabout twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventionalsports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus theeffect of the device on the user's forearms, yet still permits the userto securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device 200, where aconventional stick would have a grip circumference of between about 3¾inches and about 4¼ inches, the handle 202 preferably has acircumference of between about 4 inches and about 4½ inches. However,the handle could have the circumference of a conventional racket.

[0040] A weight 208 is mounted on the second end 206 of the handle. Theweight 208 is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made ofsome other dense material. The length of the handle 202 and the size andshape of the weight 208 are such that the center of mass of the device200 is positioned between about 8½ inches and about 15 inches from thefirst end 204 of the handle, and more preferably between about 10 and 13inches from the first end of the handle. The center of the mass of thedevice is preferably distal to the end of the graspable portion of thehandle. The weight of the weight 208 depends upon the needs andpreferences of the user, the weight 208 may have a weight so that thedevice 200 weighs 3˜½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices200 of different weights are provided.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the weight 208 preferably has a generallycylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder arepreferably rounded. Of course the weight 208 could have some othershape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight couldbe a rectangular prism. However, the inventor believes that the compact,cylindrical shape improves the swing dynamics of the device. In thepreferred embodiment, the weight 208 for the 3½ pound device has adiameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight forthe 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pounddevice has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high;and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4inches, and is about 4 inches high.

[0042] In the preferred construction of the third embodiment, there is acollar 210 with an internally threaded socket 212 mounted on the secondend 204 of the handle 202. The collar 210 is preferably made of metaland is secured on the handle by any conventional means. There is anexternally threaded stud 214 on the weight 208 that threads into theinternally threaded socket in the collar 210. The threaded stud 214 maybe further secured in the socket 210 with an adhesive, such as an epoxyor other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have theweight 208 removably mounted on the handle 202, so that the user canhave just one handle, and change the weight of the device 200 bychanging the weight 208. Of course one of the other attachments for theweight and handle discussed above with respect to device 20, or anyother method for securely connecting the weight and the handle can beused.

[0043] An alternative construction of the devices of the severalembodiments of this invention is indicated generally as 300 in FIGS.9-13. While illustrated as a device for a batting sport such as baseballor softball, such as devices the 20, 20′ and 20″ invention is not solimited and the principles of this alternate construction apply to anysport employing hand held implements including baseball, golf, tennis,squash, badminton, hockey, La Crosse, etc.

[0044] According to the alternate construction the device 300 is madefrom a polymeric material that is preferably molded or cast in thedesired shape. The weight 302, which can be molded, cast or machined tothe desired shape, is embedded in the device. According to a firstversion of this alternate construction, shown in FIG. 10, the weight 302can be embedded in the device 300 as it is molded or cast. According toa second version of this alternate construction, shown in FIG. 11, thedevice can be molded in two halves 304 and 306 which interfit to form ahollow chamber into which the weight 302 can be disposed. The two halvescan be secured together by any suitable means including by adhesive, rfwelding, or otherwise. According to a third version of this alternateconstruction, shown in FIG. 12, the device can be made in two pieces,the first piece 308 comprising the handle 310 and a generally cup-shapedportion 312 for receiving the weight 302, and a lid 314, which can besecured on the cup-shaped portion 312 to secure the weight. The lid 314can be secured by any suitable means including by adhesive, rf welding,or otherwise. According to a fourth version of this alternativeconstruction, shown in FIG. 13, the device can be made in two pieces,the first piece 316 comprising the handle 318 and a portion 320 of thesection for holding the weight, and a second piece 322, that interfitswith the portion 320 to form a chamber for holding the weight 302. Thepieces 316 and 322 can be secured by any suitable means including byadhesive, rf welding, or otherwise.

[0045] The device of this alternate embodiment provides a smoothcontinuous polymeric exterior which is resistant to impact and otherabuse, in which the weight is enclosed so that it is unlikely toseparate from the device.

[0046] The surface texture and color of the device can be more easilycontrolled and changed.

[0047] Operation

[0048] In operation, any of the devices 20, 20′, 20″, 100, 150, or 200of this invention, is grasped by the user. (Of course a device can beconstructed according to the principles of this invention for any sportin which the participant grasps and swings a sports implement.) The userthen swings the device, much as the user would swing the implement whichthe device emulates. By controlling the size and shape and placement ofthe weight on the end of the handle, the training and conditioningeffects are focused on the user's forearms. In particular, it is believethat by positioning the center of mass of the weight within 13 inches ofthe first end of the handle, the effect of the device is focused on theuser's forearms. More specifically it is important that the center ofmass of the device is past the graspable portion of the handle, yetwithin 13 inches of the first end of the handle.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sport-specific training and conditioning devicefor a sport using a handheld implement having a grip portion, the devicecomprising a handle section shaped like the grip portion of theimplement, the handle section having first and second ends, and a weightsection at the second end of the handle section, the center of mass ofthe device being less than about 18 inches from the first end of thehandle, the device being formed of a polymeric material with a weightenclosed in the polymeric material in the weight section.
 2. Thesport-specific training and conditioning device according to claim 1wherein the device is molded from a polymeric material, with the weightembedded in the polymeric material in the weight section.
 3. Thesport-specific training and conditioning device according to claim 1wherein the handle section and the weight section are formed in at leasttwo pieces which interfit to form a chamber in the weight section forreceiving the weight.
 4. The sport-specific training and conditioningdevice according to claim 1 wherein the center of mass of the device isless than about 13 inches from the first end of the handle.
 5. Thesport-specific training and conditioning device according to claim 1wherein the center of mass of the device is less than about 13 inchesfrom the first end of the handle, but past the graspable portion of thehandle.
 6. The sport-specific training and conditioning device accordingto claim 1 wherein the weight has a diameter of less than about 4inches.
 7. The sport-specific training and conditioning device accordingto claim 1 wherein the weight has a length of less than about 4 inches.8. The sport-specific training and conditioning device according toclaim 1 wherein the device weighs more than the hand-held implement usedin the sport.
 9. The sport-specific training and conditioning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the handle is shaped like the grip portionof a bat.
 10. The sport-specific training and conditioning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the handle is shaped like the grip portionof a racket.
 11. The sport-specific training and conditioning deviceaccording to claim 10 wherein the grip is shaped like the grip portionof a tennis racket.
 12. The sport-specific training and conditioningdevice according to claim 1 wherein the handle section is shaped likethe grip portion of a golf club.
 13. The sport-specific training andconditioning device according to claim 1 wherein the handle section isshaped like the grip portion of a hockey stick.
 14. The sport-specifictraining and conditioning device according to claim 1 wherein the handlesection is less than about 10 inches long.
 15. A sport-specific trainingand conditioning device for a sport using a handheld implement having agrip portion, the device comprising a handle section and a weightsection, the handle section shaped like the grip portion of theimplement, and having first and second ends and being less than about 10inches long, and the weight section being disposed on the second end ofthe handle section, the device being formed of a polymeric material witha weight enclosed by the polymeric handle on the weight section, thecenter of mass of the weight being less than about 13 inches from thefirst end of the handle section.
 16. The sport-specific training andconditioning device according to claim 15 wherein the device is moldedfrom a polymeric material, with the weight embedded in the polymericmaterial in the weight section.
 17. The sport-specific training andconditioning device according to claim 15 wherein the handle section andthe weight section are formed in at least two pieces which interfit toform a chamber in the weight section for receiving the weight.
 18. Thesport-specific training and conditioning device according to claim 15wherein the center of mass of the device is not located on the handlesection.